F E AT U R E A RT I C L E will be fed, probably getting some bonuses out of the collected leftovers in the fridge, and my gun will get a good cleaning, and then I’ll whittle away at the chores, things like sheets cleaned, clothes collected, and my desk packed up. And when I’ve done all I can do until morning, I’ll curl up in my favorite chair and savor a single malt along with a favorite book, until I just can’t stay awake any longer. In the morning the heat is shut off and the water drained from the pipes. The dogs always know what is happening and stay near the stacked gear or the door, their heads down and resting on their paws. As I shuffle about closing the house up, I sometimes talk to them just because it makes me feel better. The older dog will look reserved, accepting our departure as I do, but the younger will watch in disbelief, as if to say, “Why can’t we stay here and hunt forever?” Spring will come soon enough and we’ll be back to chase trout and listen to the grouse drumming in the woods. The way time passes, with ever increasing speed, bird season will return before we know it and we’ll again hunt. I have to wonder though how many more seasons my oldest dog will
hunt, with her accumulated wisdom and white muzzle. And my years can’t go on forever either. When the truck is packed, my girls will anxiously jump onto the back. I know they’ll soon be asleep and dreaming of hunts during the long trip home. I envy them that. Jerry Allen is a writer, artist and craftsman who lives in MA and enjoys his GWPs.
THYROID CLINIC
2013 NATIONALS We are making arrangements to draw blood for OFA thyroid profiles on Sunday, October 6, 2013 after the GWPCEN Specialty and Sweepstakes. For those interested, this will be a great opportunity to complete a CHIC requirement or screen a dog for immune-mediated thyroid disease. We will overnight our samples to Michigan State University on Monday, October 7th. A minimum of 10 participants will be necessary to receive a discount. We hope to offer the test for $65-$75. All samples must be mailed in one “batch” with one payment. If you are interested in having your dog’s thyroid function checked, please contact Robin K Nelson at gwpoint@aol.com . We will need to confirm numbers and collect payment prior to arranging for the discounted price. Download and complete the Application for Thyroid Database with your dog’s registered name, number, date of birth, microchip #, etc. You will need your GWP, your partially completed Thyroid Database application, and a second check for $15 payable to OFA. Come to the designated Thyroid Clinic location at the Lancaster Event Center on Sunday. We will do the rest! The AKC DNA CLINIC will be held at the same time and place. DNA registration will be required for GWPS over 2 years of age for the Nationals 2014 field and conformation events. The AKC fee at National specialties is reduced to $30 rather than the regular $40. Please bring a copy of your AKC registration form and contact Ray Calkins at gwpcascade@gmail.com so we have the kits available and the correct information for your dog!!
©2013 GWPCA WIRE NEWS
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